There are many uncertainties swirling around the average wedding day ceremony. But one certainty is clear: there needs to be entertainment. Without entertainment, all your guests are left with is a rather long evening where they take a lot of photographs and sit around a table eating.

But with the right type of entertainment, your guests will leave your wedding exhausted and exhilarated. Your wedding will go down as a highlight of their year.

Wedding DJ vs. Live Band: Tips from DC’s wedding entertainment experts

In our experience as Washington D.C.’s go-to wedding entertainers, we’ve seen couples struggle through the decision between having a live band or a wedding DJ. In some cases, if the budget allows it, our clients choose to hire both.

While that can be a great option, it’s not always feasible, which is why it’s important that you’re educated about each option before making your decision.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that committing to your entertainment is an important step to take early on in your wedding planning process. That way you don’t have to stress, as the months roll by, that your options are getting more and more limited.

Choosing a live band for your wedding

There’s something classic about having a live band for your reception (and, for an added touch, you could have your live band perform the music during the ceremony).

Live bands help complete the picture-perfect wedding. You could, in fact, choose a niche band (think bluegrass, Latin, etc.). If your wedding has a specific theme, you can choose a band that represents that theme.

However, while bands may have an amazing set list to choose from, they usually have a limited number of songs at their disposal (certainly when compared with a live wedding DJ).

Another concern about live music is that it can be challenging to control the volume of the music, unless the band brings its own sound specialist to monitor the settings.

That being said, when it’s time to get down and party, a live band can be electric. It’s like going to a concert, only with really good food and outfits.

Choosing a wedding DJ over a live band

Live DJs are typically less expensive than a live band, but that doesn’t mean they come with less of a wow-factor. DJs specialize in entertainment. While live bands can bring down the house during a performance, a live DJ has the ability to interject unmatched personality and pizazz.

Another extremely beneficial attribute of hiring a wedding DJ in Washington D.C. is that DJs will have an enormous library of music for you to choose from. If you’re looking for an eclectic soundtrack, you might want to consider a wedding DJ.

Whichever you choose, you’ll be sure to …

The argument over live band or wedding DJ isn’t so much about quality as it is about preference. Both forms of entertainment will do more than play music. They’ll engage with your guests, and, if you’d like, will serve as MC of the party.

They’ll both work with you beforehand to ensure that the music played during your wedding fits the mood and is appropriate for those in attendance.

Still not sure? Ask the Washington D.C. wedding experts

Still not sure which form of entertainment will work for you? Ask the experts. If you ask a wedding DJ which form of entertainment is best, he’ll of course say “DJ.” If you ask a live band which form of entertainment is best, they’ll say “Live Band.” That goes without saying, which is why it’s best to seek the advice of a company that offers both options.

These wedding entertainment companies, like Planet DJ Productions, know the benefits and drawbacks of both types of entertainment, and can work with you to find the perfect match for your wedding.

Don’t fret over the live music vs. wedding DJ conundrum. We’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more.